JSPCA PRESS RELEASE

May 2005  

VIRAL DISEASE IDENTIFIED IN WILD MUSCOVY DUCKS

Following reports to the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter of ducks dying suddenly in one area of St Peters Valley, it has been confirmed by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) in Winchester, England, that the wild Muscovy duck submitted for post-mortem examination from that area was infected with the Duck Viral Enteritis (DVE) Virus.  Three other wild ducks were also found dead in that same location only the day before.

Duck Viral Enteritis (DVE) is an acute highly contagious viral disease of all ages of waterfowl (ducks, geese and swans) only, and is usually seen in outbreaks.  In the UK, the disease shows seasonal peaks (April to June), mostly being seen in the spring, which may be related to breeding activity and the mixing of waterfowl populations.  However, outbreaks are possible any time of the year.  The disease is characterised by sudden death and a high mortality and can be transmitted from infected to susceptible ducks by direct contact or via water.  Therefore, the risk to domestic ducks and geese is greatest in free-range or open field conditions with free access to open water, particularly if wild waterfowl are common in the area.

The different species of Anatidae (ducks, geese and swans) vary greatly in susceptibility to DVE; Muscovy ducks are known to be highly susceptible, where as the Northern Pintail, for example, appears to be very resistant.  Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for the disease, only supportive therapy.  Recovered ducks can become carriers of the virus for up to four years and hence act as an asymptomatic source of infection to susceptible ducks.  Carriers can shed the virus, especially during spring and the onset of breeding, and may produce infected offspring, which could also shed the virus.

Domestic ducks owners can help to decrease the risk to their birds by limiting, or avoiding, contact with wild waterfowl.  Vaccination of apparently healthy birds may be helpful to limit further spread of the disease within an affected domestic flock of ducks and geese, but use of the vaccine in free-living waterfowl is not recommended, as the vaccination will not prevent the carrier state being produced in some individuals.

Fortunately, there have been no further deaths in the wild ducks in the St Peter’s Valley area since this initial incident.  However, it is strongly advised that should any domestic waterfowl owners experience any sudden deaths in their birds to contact their veterinary surgery for further advice, especially during these spring months and if there is known contact with wild waterfowl.

ENDS